Brighton's Jenny Nalepa headlines spring tennis season

Of all the talented tennis players on Livingston County courts this spring, one stands out.

Brighton star Jenny Nalepa returns for her senior year, hoping to lead the Bulldogs to a memorable season.

Nalepa, who will play at Western Michigan University next season, is easily the most talented female player ever from Livingston County. As a third seed at No. 1 singles, she advanced to the semifinals of the 2006 Division I state tournament before losing to eventual champ, Christina Ruiz of Northville, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Brighton coach Jeff Miner expects big things from Nalepa.

"She works very hard," Miner said. "She obviously is very gifted as well. ... I expect her to come out just as strong as last year."

Here's a season outlook for the six area teams:

JAMIE CHARBENEAU-PISELLA, LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY NEWSBrighton No. 2 singles player Shelby Smith hits a shot during warm-ups for a recent scrimmage against Northville.

* Comment: The Bulldogs, who finished in a tie for 14th place at states and second in the Kensington Valley Conference, have four players: senior Milly Walker, freshman Taylor Parrish, junior Liz Gautsche and junior Caitlin Mumau, competing for the final two singles spots. Miner said his doubles teams will all be evenly matched. "We are going to have four doubles teams that are reasonably close together, as far as talent and skill level goes," Miner said. "Whoever ends up playing No. 1 might take some lumps, but we should improve as we go down the lineup."

* Comment: The Eagles, third in the KVC, are rebuilding their singles lineup after mainstays Caitlin McGuire and Robin Young graduated. Coach Judy Jagdfeld has seven seniors. "I didn't lose any players to other sports. That was the fear of all of us," Jagdfeld said.

* Comment: While the Highlanders (1-10) struggled last season, coach Mark Oglesby is encouraged that six third-year varsity players are back. Sophomore Taylor Oglesby and junior Kristen Bartkowiak are battling for the No. 4 singles slot. Newcomer Anna Keough, a former soccer player, will help with depth. "I'm just hoping to find that fifth point," Oglesby said.

* Comment: New coach Ross Wisser has 11 seniors to build an experienced lineup around. He anticipates all the doubles teams will be evenly matched. "Most of them have been playing together a long time," Wisser said of the 11 seniors. "The depth is going to be our big thing. Our lower doubles spots and singles spots should do well. They are just as good as our top spot."

* Comment: The Lions, third in the KVC, have seven seniors with enough experience to contend for that third spot again. But with no freshmen on varsity and a move to the horribly difficult east division of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association next year, coach Don Valentine worries about the future. "I do have some cross-over athletes who are making it on athleticism alone," he said.

* Comment: The Gladiators, in their second year with a varsity program, are enjoying their new courts. They've started the season 2-0, equaling last season's win total already. Coach Lynn Lantz said it's his goal to move up from last place to fourth in the gold division of the Capital Area Activities Conference. "They are eager to grow the program and their skills," Lantz said.